Transcending Borders to Make Dreams Be Made Real: Clayton State University

One of the most diverse campuses in the South, Clayton State University continues to welcome and retain more and more international students. Clayton State and the Laker community have been recognized by many international students as agents of inspiration and aid in academics, cultural awareness, and social engagement.
“From the first day I visited the school I felt I was a part of it, not just an international student,” admits Anas Alghifily, a graduate student from Saudi Arabia. He professed that he was initially afraid of rejection, but found that, “student and faculty at Clayton State like to welcome international students and make them feel at home.”
Alghifily, like many other international students from Saudi Arabia choose Clayton State for its Masters of Business Administration program. He also points out that the campuses location near Atlanta was a big selling point for him.
Joseph Mbogo, an undergrad business student from Kenya, also professes that the location along with its, “good reputation” is why he chose Clayton State. Mbogo states that he likes that the school is easily accessible and that the classes are smaller and allow for, “one on one student and professor interaction unlike big schools.”
Mbogo also explains how big of a help the International Student Services Office has been to him.
“ISSO has helped me apply and reapply for approved off campus work authorization. This has made it possible for me to complete my degree,” he says
Because of Clayton State’s international partnerships and presence, some immigrating students were referred to the school by connections they had at home. This was the case for Roger Bonfiace, a Masters of Business Administration student from South Africa. He comments that his soccer coach in South Africa advised him that Clayton State was a great university.
“Clayton State is a hidden gem,” Bonfiace exclaims. “It has easy access to Atlanta where something is always going on and is a great value for my expense.”
He explains that the faculty, campus, and sports are the things he likes most about the school and that the experience has been, “a dream come true.”
Clayton State doesn’t let U.S. borders stop it from helping make students dreams be made real.